Remote video monitoring

Pivot3, a provider of intelligent infrastructure solutions, announced the addition of new artificial intelligence (AI) and automation features to its Acuity software to address the data protection challenges often faced in large-scale hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) deployments. These capabilities provide unprecedented resilience for large multi-petabyte environments, allowing customers who experience catastrophic hardware failures to quickly recover while ensuring high-availability with auto-healing, quick node rebuild and intelligent monitoring and analytics. “Customers are increasingly required to manage massive amounts of data generated by video surveillance, both for long term retention and for analysis with video analytics,” said Ben Bolles, Vice President of Product Management, Pivot3. Business Policy Management Pivot3 uses AI and machine learning to understand application performance" “The sheer scale of the infrastructure needed to support these use cases presents new resilience challenges, and organizations are increasingly concerned about capturing, protecting and capitalizing on this mission-critical data. Pivot3 is meeting this growing challenge with new automation and intelligence capabilities to provide customers with peace of mind, knowing their system is resilient, secure and always available.” At the core of Pivot3’s Acuity software platform is the Pivot3 Intelligence Engine. The Intelligence Engine comprises many advanced data- and performance-management capabilities, including its market leading Business Policy Management feature. This enables customers to map business objectives to resource management through simple policies. Pivot3 uses AI and machine learning to understand application performance, protection and security requirements and to make real-time system changes so SLAs are met. The Intelligence Engine also monitors system health and performs predictive maintenance to ensure maximum system availability. Improved system health This automates time consuming systems administration and maintenance tasks to reduce operating expenses and to allow organizations to scale without adding additional IT resources. Pivot3’s Intelligence Engine now includes a suite of new auto-healing capabilities. Designed to automate human decisions and tasks, the new features replace manual recovery processes by automatically adding a node back to a cluster once it has recovered from a failure. Pivot3 has also introduced a quick node rebuild feature to reduce repair times up to 90 percent and to eliminate the need for a time-consuming full node rebuild. New AI and machine learning techniques analyze phone-home data and alert the customer This significantly lowers the risk of a second failure. Other enhancements to the Intelligence Engine include intelligent automation, AI and analytics for proactive system health, configuration optimization and support. These additional system analytics and diagnostics provide customers with improved system health and performance and the ability to automatically share information to Pivot3’s Support Cloud. AI and machine learning Proactive system monitoring flags events in real-time with on-alarm dispatch to Pivot3 Support and provides daily status reports. New AI and machine learning techniques analyze phone-home data and alert the customer to options if a system is not in compliance with best practices. “With the real-time system monitoring, Pivot3 Support now alerts my team to unforeseen failures and provides remediation,” said Jeremiah Francis, Director of Information Technology at Financial Advocates. “Additionally, receiving daily system health and configuration status reports allows us to ensure our system is running at peak performance; we can now more easily resolve potential points of failure and optimize for success.”

Maxxess Systems, a provider of event response management and collaboration systems, is pleased to announce the integration of OpenEye Web Services (OWS) with Maxxess eFusion security management software. eFusion is presently installed in thousands of facilities around the globe enabling security personnel to more precisely monitor and assess potential and emerging threats, and quickly respond to emergencies. This new integration enables the Maxxess monitoring software to retrieve video from OpenEye video surveillance systems through OWS and view it natively in eFusion. Security management software Maxxess eFusion security management has always focused on improving response to critical events" “Maxxess eFusion security management has always focused on improving response to critical events and security issues. The integration to OpenEye Web Services platform allows our security management software to enhance the features of access control, video surveillance, and other physical systems from one easy to use platform,” said Nancy Islas, President Maxxess Systems. Users of the newly integrated systems can view both live and recorded video in reference to access control events. eFusion establishes a connection to recorders using OpenEye Web Services’ Web Connect technology, improving connection reliability and eliminating the need to manually manage connection settings or forward ports. “We are excited to provide users of the Maxxess eFusion security management software the reliability of Web Connect enabled video verification of events on their platform,” said Ian Siemer, OpenEye VP Product and Marketing. “Video verification is a crucial tool for providing situational awareness as well as reducing false alarms and improving response time.”

People and vehicle access control specialist, Nortech is heading into the end of the year on a high with compliance with the latest ISO 9001 certification standard, a busy year at exhibitions and getting involved with a local teen pioneer being among the company main 2019 highlights. Nortech’s Managing Director Steve Blackler commented, “We are very pleased with how the company has progressed this year. We continue to grow and meet new standards and were also delighted to meet with Freddie Howells, a young inventor from nearby Usk over the summer to support him in his work to create a facial recognition door lock for an elderly relative with dementia.”   Door Pi Plus facial recognition home security system Freddie was approached by Nortech to help develop his award-nominated home monitoring system After appearing in the news earlier in the year, Freddie was approached by Nortech to help him further develop his award-nominated home monitoring system. Freddie was invited to Nortech to discuss his product with the team and also received a tour of the site as well as some training to help him to expand his access control knowledge. When Freddie heard his 88-year-old great aunt Pat who has dementia was struggling with potentially letting strangers into her home, he wanted to do something, so went on to invent something that would help her and others when home alone. Freddie developed a facial recognition, door entry and home monitoring system, the Door Pi Plus, where a motion sensor attached to the individual’s front door detects motion and it triggers the camera to take a picture of the visitor. ID tagging and two factor authentication The image is checked against a database of ‘known’ faces and if the person is recognized they are able to scan their ID tag for two factor authentication. If the face and ID match, the door is opened. If the face and ID are not recognized the visitor is prompted to call a number to gain access. Following his visit to Nortech, Freddie has been offered ongoing support by the team to assist him in finalizing his invention so it continues to help his great aunt and others in the future. Home monitoring system After taking on a number of apprentices in the last year, September has seen the intake progress into college programs while still gaining experience alongside the Nortech technical team. The company’s commitment to growth and the community has played a big part in its success and enabled it to expand in other areas. To further help its installers, Nortech is developing a tech support area for its current website To further help its installers, Nortech is developing a tech support area for its current website to ensure engineers can access the material they need easily when installing Nortech products. Work on the website has led to more traffic and takes on board the suggestions made by those who frequently work with Nortech, who are then likely to also look at other areas of the website. Nortech technology support Among the news items regularly posted on its website and social media are references to Nortech’s presence at several shows this year and its pride in making the shortlist for a number of industry awards. Alongside the roadshows the company frequently attends, Nortech has also attended Parkex, Elevate and the LEGIC conference over the last few months and is constantly further developing its existing product range to satisfy industry demands.   Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years as an independent British company. The company uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products to fit their clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer in mind. 

IDIS has teamed up with integration partner ISD Tech to support the Men’s Shed community group in Church Crookham and Fleet with the donation of a state-of-the-art video monitoring solution. The donation is part of the IDIS ‘Create a Better World” campaign that has run on company’s social media channels since the start of the year to support a global commitment to enhance safety and security for social welfare projects and non-profit community organizations. The system, supplied and installed for free, is protecting a fully equipped new workshop, built with National Lottery funding and opened on the 22nd September 2019. IDIS NVRs, IP bullet cameras and domes with IR capability, now provide 24/7 video coverage of the new facility, inside and out, helping to protect high value power tools and other equipment. “The workshop is in quite a secluded location and it houses high value items, so it needs watching over out-of-hours,” explains Nicky Stokes, MD of ISD Tech. Video solution “We were delighted to provide this IDIS video solution to enable the volunteers who manage the site to receive alerts on their phones, and to view footage, if ever there’s an attempted intrusion or problem with vandalism.” The Church Crookham and Fleet Men’s Shed, is one of more than 520 across the UK helping to reduce isolation, particularly among older men, and supporting them as they contribute their knowledge and practical skills to local good causes – everything from building library shelves for primary schools, to making bird boxes for conservation groups, says Chairman Alan Walker. Research has warned about the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on health and wellbeing “We have 25 regularly active ‘shedders’ meeting twice a week and, as that number grows, we’ll increase the times that our workshop’ is open. Now, instead of just being old blokes tinkering away in isolation, we can have a joke and work together – in many ways it replicates the working environment." For a long time, research has warned about the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on health and wellbeing, with millions of people reporting feeling lonely on a daily basis. Video surveillance equipment Men’s Sheds have emerged as a practical way of tackling the problem, particularly for older men who find it more difficult to build social connections – although the organization welcomes members of all ages and genders. Group members meet to work on projects – fixing things, making things – to share tips and simply to enjoy each other’s company. Alan Walker, says more than 45 projects have already been completed by the group, and thanks to the IDIS video solution, both the ongoing work and the tools can be stored safely out-of-hours while the workshop is unoccupied. IDIS is Korea’s pioneer in-country video surveillance equipment manufacturer and, as it continues to expand in markets globally, the company is committed to supporting community initiatives and charity work, particularly efforts focused on mental health and wellbeing. “We were really pleased to help Men’s Shed with our video technology,” explains Jamie Barnfield, Sales Director, IDIS Europe. "This is a great community group, not only concerned with the wellbeing of their own members but also supporting the wider community around them with the projects they work on.” Surveillance technology James Min, Managing Director, IDIS Europe, noted: “Since IDIS was founded over two decades ago our corporate mission has been to develop technology that makes the world a safer and more secure place. And while we have witnessed giant leaps forward in surveillance technology, our ‘Create a Better World’ campaign is leveraging those innovations to benefit charitable causes that are close to the hearts of local staff as well as close to our facilities around the world.”

Progressive security integrators are constantly on the lookout for ways to increase security for their customers while also growing the value of their business. At the end of the day, they often evaluate new offerings from the perspective, “how will this service or solution help me make more money?” As integrators face ongoing pressure to reduce margins on video surveillance equipment, new innovative ways to drive profits and increase their business valuation must be uncovered to keep the business healthy. Customers have shown a desire to pay for products and services that can produce measurable results, showing increased security or reduced overall expenses. Deter incidents of vandalism Remote video monitoring of commercial properties is proving to increase security  Remote video monitoring of commercial properties is proving to increase security and produce a measurable return on investment. For integrators, providing video monitoring as a service is a great way to solve customers’ greatest pain points and drive recurring monthly revenue (RMR). More customers are asking for solutions that deter incidents of vandalism and theft on their construction sites, car dealership lots, remote storage facilities, educational facilities, and boat yards, among others. Thanks to major improvements in outdoor surveillance cameras– which feature greater edge processing and more reliable intrusion detection capabilities– this is possible. Multiple Technologies All-in-One The FLIR Saros DH-390 Dome Camera is a prime example of these advancements. Combining multiple perimeter technologies into a unified solution that integrates with central monitoring station platforms, Saros DH-390 features dual FLIR Lepton thermal sensors, a 1080p or 4K camera, IR and visible LED illuminators, advanced onboard analytics, two-way audio, and digital I/Os. This multispectral camera, backed by FLIR’s superior thermal technology, provides 24-hour wide area monitoring, accurate classification analytics, and enhanced visual verification. Deploying Saros DH-390 Dome Camera However, the defining value of Saros DH-390 is that it opens the door to new business opportunities, revenue sources, and customer base expansion for the security channel in the alarm monitoring vertical. By deploying Saros DH-390, integrators can increase their business valuation and use the solution to increase per-customer RMR by hundreds of dollars per month. Here are five reasons why integrators should use Saros DH-390 to grow their remote monitoring RMR - Enhanced Video Verification – Saros DH-390 provides verified alarm clips (from both thermal and HD visible cameras) for police dispatch and priority response. Efficient Remote Guarding – Saros DH-390 provides audio talk-down digital I/O for interfacing to other devices and software integrations, making it easy and efficient for remote operators to engage intruders. Reduced Hardware Footprint – Integrating multiple technologies into a single product, Saros DH-390 reduces installation time and hardware requirements for remote guarding solutions. Open Architecture – Saros DH-390 is an open platform that works with most central monitoring software and video management systems, allowing dealers to work with their preferred solution providers. Easy, Secure Connectivity – The cloud-connected architecture of Saros DH-390 makes setup easy, eliminating the need for port-forwarding and protecting sites from cyber-attacks associated with port-forwarding. FLIR’s cloud makes Saros DH-390 easy to deploy on mobile broadband devices and does not require static IPs or dynamic DNS services to work. Innovative sensing solutions FLIR Systems, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes technologies that enhance perception and awareness. They are a globally renowned company that brings innovative sensing solutions into daily life through their wide range of thermal imaging, visible-light imaging, video analytics, measurement and diagnostic services, and advanced threat detection systems. FLIR offers a diversified portfolio that serves a number of applications in government & defense, industrial, and commercial markets. Their products help first responders and military personnel protect and save lives, promote efficiency within the trades, and innovate consumer-facing technologies. FLIR strives to strengthen public safety and well-being, increase energy and time efficiency, and contribute to healthy and intelligent communities.

Percepto, a global market expert for autonomous industrial drone solutions, will change the perception that drones are the enemy of the airport, at the ACI EUROPE Security Summit, which is being hosted in Tel Aviv, Israel, from 17th – 19th September 2019. In a presentation entitled ‘Drones in Airports Friends or Foes?’ Percepto will address how the latest innovations in drone technology can improve airport safety, security and operations. VP of Marketing at Percepto, Illy Gruber, will speak at the ACI Europe Security Summit and explains: “High profile incidents involving rogue drones, such as the major disruption caused at Gatwick Airport last December, fixated attention on drone detection and prevention. However, we are currently working with aviation authorities around the world to explore and exploit many exciting applications of autonomous drones which we look forward to sharing.” Industrial drone solutions With the ACI Europe Security Summit taking place in Israel (the home of Percepto), it is the perfect opportunity for security practitioners working in airports, to learn from and get up close to the market leading autonomous industrial drone solutions. During the exhibition running alongside the summit conference, Percepto will showcase its Drone-in-a-Box (DIB) solution and demonstrate how many industrial organizations around the world rely on it as an essential sensor, that constantly collects aerial data, generates actionable insights. Drones can also be launched on-demand to provide a live perceptive of an emergency or incident “Some of the many applications for using our DIB in an airport include augmenting systems and patrols in the monitoring of perimeters and restricted access areas, as well as providing real-time intruder and object detection and tracking,” explains Illy. She also observes how the technology can deliver significant operational benefits, citing the example of optimizing runway uptime: “An autonomous drone powered by computer-vision, high-definition and thermal cameras can be used round-the-clock, to complete detailed runway inspections, much faster and thoroughly than ground teams.”  Automatic security patrols With the Percepto DIB solution on-site at an airport, the drone automatically takes-off in all weathers and at pre-defined times, to conduct scheduled routine security patrols and inspections, all without the need for a pilot or operator. Once the task has been completed it returns to base to charge and transfer the data. Drones can also be launched on-demand to provide a live perceptive of an emergency or incident that surveillance cameras or aerial vehicles are unable to access. Percepto will present at the ACI EUROPE Security Summit on Wednesday 18th September, between 11.15 and 12.30pm, in the first working session of the event entitled ‘What are the present threats to aviation security? What are the latest solutions?’. Illy will be joined in the session by representatives from the Israel Airports Authority,  the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism and the European Commission.

Global and domestic threats have highlighted the need for tighter security across all verticals. One of the technologies that has redefined situational awareness and intrusion detection is thermal imaging. Once a technology exclusively manufactured for the military operations, thermal cameras today are deployed across hundreds of security applications and continue to see strong demand in existing and emerging commercial markets. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain Technology Overview And Early Adoption What distinguishes thermal cameras from optical sensors is their ability to produce images based on infrared energy, or heat, rather than light. By measuring the heat signatures of all objects and capturing minute differences between them, thermal cameras produce clear, sharp video despite unfavorable environmental conditions. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain. Originally a military developed, commercially qualified technology, the first thermal cameras for military and aircraft use appeared in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the technology had been declassified and the first thermal camera for commercial use was introduced. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s - when FLIR Systems introduced a camera with an uncooled thermal detector - when the technology began to see substantial adoption beyond government defense deployments. Installations At Critical Infrastructure Sites In the 2000s, industrial companies were some of the first adopters of thermal, using the technology for predictive maintenance to monitor overheating and machine malfunctions. In the years following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, there was an increase in thermal camera installations across critical infrastructure sites. Stricter security requirements drove the deployment of thermal cameras for perimeter protection, especially in the nuclear power sector. Thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and their sharp images result in higher performing analytics In 2010, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee released its 73.55 policy, which states nuclear facilities must “provide continuous surveillance, observation and monitoring” as a means to enhance threat detection and deterrence efforts onsite. Because thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and because their sharp images result in higher performing analytics, thermal cameras quickly became the preferred option for nuclear facilities. Likewise, following the 2013 sniper attack on PG&E Corporation’s Metcalf transmission substation, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission introduced the Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard 014 (CIP-014). The policy requires utilities to identify threats to mission critical assets and implement a security system to mitigate those risks. This statute also led to more thermal installations in the utility sector as thermal cameras’ long-range capabilities are ideal for detection of approaching targets beyond the fence line. The demand from both industrial and critical infrastructure entities, as well as other factors, helped drive volume production and price reduction for thermal, making the technology more accessible to the commercial security marketplace. Commercial Applications In recent years, the increasing affordability of thermal cameras along with the introduction of new thermal offerings has opened the door to new commercial applications for the technology. In the past, thermal cameras were designed for applications with enormous perimeters, where the camera needed to detect a human from 700 meters away. Locations like car dealerships, marinas and construction supply facilities can be protected by precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras providing an early warning to security personnel Today, there are thermal cameras specifically designed for short- to mid-range applications. Developed for small to medium enterprises, these thermal cameras ensure property size and security funds are no longer barriers to adoption. Lumber yards, recreation fields and sports arenas are some of the commercial applications now able to implement thermal cameras for 24-hour monitoring and intrusion detection. Affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses Innovation And Advancements Innovation and advancements in the core technology have also spurred growth in thermal camera deployment, providing faster image processing, higher resolution, greater video analytic capabilities and better camera performance. In particular, affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses that need outdoor, wide area protection. Car dealerships, marinas and construction supply locations all store valuable merchandise and materials outside. Without protection, these assets are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. However, by providing precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras provide an early warning to security personnel so that they can intervene before a crime is committed. By helping to deter just one incident, the thermal solution delivers a clear ROI. New Market Opportunities Not only are there more thermal cameras in use today than ever before, but there are also more thermal sensors being integrated with other multi-sensor systems, driving the adoption of thermal in new markets. For large perimeter surveillance applications, thermal is repeatedly being integrated with radar and drones to expand situational awareness beyond the point of fixed cameras. Users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment In the commercial market, thermal imagers are combined with optical sensors, analytics and LED illuminators into one solution that integrates with central monitoring station platforms. By bringing these technologies together, users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment. The result is a lower number of false positives, reducing the total cost of ownership for the solution. These multi-sensor solutions also feature two-way audio capabilities, which enable remote security officers to act as “virtual guards” and speak to intruders in real-time to dissuade them from illegal activity. The introduction of solutions that integrate all these state-of-the-art technologies under one unit reduces the amount of capital and infrastructure needed for deployment. Consequently, more small businesses and alarm monitoring companies can implement advanced perimeter security technologies like thermal sensors, some for the very first time. Thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras Multi-Sensor Thermal Solutions Multi-sensor solutions featuring thermal are quickly gaining traction and opening the door to new business opportunities for the security channel. One of the primary reasons for the strong market interest in these systems is they enable integrators to increase their recurring monthly revenue (RMR). With intense price competition and eroding margins on CCTV equipment, integrators have to rely on RMR to grow their businesses. Offering remote video monitoring services and virtual guarding technologies is one of the best ways to do so.  Additionally, there is a clear demand for it. Central stations are continually looking for new technologies to offer their customers and businesses are interested in economical alternatives to physical guards. In conclusion, thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras that are a substantial segment of the outdoor security protection market. From nuclear power plants to construction locations, thermal technology is being implemented to secure sites around the globe.

Where are video surveillance cameras headed? At the core of next-generation Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are advanced chips with artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge, enabling cameras to gather valuable information about an incident: scanning shoppers at a department store, monitoring city streets, or checking on an elderly loved one at home. Thanks to advanced chip technology, complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras —professional to consumer — fueling the democratization of AI in the IP camera market.Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras Expanding The Global IP Camera Market  The video surveillance equipment market grew to $18.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to increase this year, according to IHS Markit. The latest research points to video everywhere, edge computing, and AI as the top technologies that will have a major impact in both commercial and consumer markets in 2019. Computing at the edge means that the processors inside the camera are powerful enough to run AI processing locally, while still encoding and streaming video, and are able to do it all at the low-power required to fit into the limited thermal budget of an IP camera. New SoC chips will be able to perform all of the processing on camera and provide accurate AI information, with no need to send data to a server or the cloud for processing. Instead, data can be analyzed right in the camera itself, offering high performance, real-time video analytics, and lower latency — all critical aspects of video surveillance. This new AI paradigm is made possible by a new generation of SoCs, a key driver behind the market growth of IP cameras. Complex analytics operations are becoming more affordable across the full spectrum of surveillance cameras to fuel the advent of AI in the IP camera market Micro-Processor-Enabled Video Analytics Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most timeMicroprocessor-enabled analytics allow users to more easily extract valuable data from video streams. How about an insider’s view into retail customer behavior? Consider video cameras at a department store, monitoring shoppers’ behavior, traffic patterns, and areas of interest. Next-generation cameras will recognize how long a shopper stays in front of a specific display, if the shopper leaves and returns, and if the shopper ultimately makes a purchase. Next-generation video cameras will be able to create heat maps of stores to see where people spend the most time, so retailers will be able to adjust product placement accordingly. Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly. By understanding customers’ behavior, retailers can determine the best way to interact with them, target specific campaigns, and tailor ads for them. Cue the coupons while the shopper is still onsite! Analytics will also help identify busy/quiet times of the day, so retailers can staff accordingly Fast Processing For Rapid Response At City Level City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations such as loitering, big crowds forming, or cars driving the wrong way.Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyze traffic situations Quick local decisions on the video cameras are also used to help analyze traffic situations, adjust traffic lights, identify license plates, automatically charge cars for parking, find a missing car across a city, or create live and accurate traffic maps. Real-Time HD Video Monitoring And Recording When it comes to home monitoring, what will next-generation video surveillance cameras offer? Real-time monitoring and notification can detect if a person is in the back yard or approaching the door, if there’s a suspicious vehicle in the driveway, or if a package is being delivered (or stolen). Advanced video cameras can determine when notifications are and aren’t required, since users don’t want to be notified for false alerts such as rain, tree branches moving, bugs, etc. Next-generation video camera capabilities can also help monitor a loved one, person or pet, helping put families at ease if they are at work or on vacation. For example, helpful analytics may be used to detect if someone has fallen, hasn’t moved for a while, or does not appear for breakfast according to their typical schedule. City surveillance and smart cities are depending on advanced video surveillance and intelligence to keep an eye on people and vehicles, identify criminals, flag suspicious behavior, and identify potentially dangerous situations Next-Gen IP Cameras When evaluating next-generation IP cameras (cameras on the edge), look at the brains. These cameras will likely be powered by next-generation SoCs chips. Here is what this means to you:       Save on network bandwidth, cloud computing and storage costs. There is no need to constantly upload videos to a server for analysis. Analysis can be performed locally on the camera, with only relevant videos being uploaded. Faster reaction time. Decisions are made locally, with no network latency. This is critical if you need to sound an alarm on a specific event. Privacy. In the most extreme cases, no video needs to leave the camera. Only metadata needs to be sent to the cloud or server. For example, the faces of people can be recognized in the camera and acted upon, but the video never reaches the cloud. The cameras can just stream a description of the scene to the server “suspicious person with a red sweater walking in front of the train station, has been loitering for the last 10 minutes, suggest sending an agent to check it out.” This could become a requirement in some EU countries with GDPR rules. Easier search. Instead of having to look through hours of video content, the server can just store/analyze the metadata, and easily perform searches such as “find all people with a red sweater who stayed more than five minutes in front of the train station today.” Flexibility/personalization. Each camera at the edge can be personalized to work better for the specific scene it is looking at, compared to a generic server. For example, “run a heat map algorithm on camera A (retail) as I want to know which sections of my store get the most traffic; and run a license plate recognizer on camera B (parking lot) as I want to be able to track the cars going in/out of my parking lot.” No cloud computing required. For cameras in remote locations or with limited network bandwidth, users have the ability to perform all analytics locally, without relying on uploading video to a server/cloud. Higher resolution/quality. When AI processing is performed locally, the full resolution of the sensor can be used (up to 4K or more), while typically the video streamed to a server will be lower resolution, 1080p or less. This means more pixels are available locally for the AI engine so that you will be able to detect a face from a higher distance than when the video is streamed off camera. AI At The Edge Professional-level IP cameras capable of performing AI at the edge are coming soon with early offerings making their debut at this year’s ISC West. As we enter 2020, we will begin to see the availability of consumer-level cameras enabling real-time video analytics at the edge for home use. With rapid technology advancement and increased customer demand, AI is on the verge of exploding. When it comes to image quality and video analytics, IP cameras now in development will create a next-generation impact at department stores, above city streets, and keeping an eye on our loved ones.

There’s almost no installation that goes 100-percent smoothly in the field of video surveillance. Unexpected issues routinely arise that can increase time on the job, cost of the project and frustration. Manufacturers work on the product side to help ensure their products are easy to install and – when troublesome situations do arise – are flexible enough for installers to quickly find a remedy. Importance Of Ease Of InstallationEase of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labor is variable  Ease of installation is a very important part of the project to the system integrator because the cost of labor is variable and can be very expensive. In some cases, the cost of labor to install a camera can be more than the cost of the camera! If labor costs are high – or are more expensive than a system integrator planned – they can lose a great deal of money on a project. If a cautious system integrator includes too high of an estimate for labor in a project bid, his overall bid will to high and it could cost him the project. The easier the camera is to install, the lower the labor cost, subsequently achieving higher savings for end-users. Hence it is essential that camera manufacturers develop products that are easy to install or are flexible in the field for system integrators and installers who know that time is money. Enterprise projects can involve thousands of cameras installed Simplifying Installation Of Cameras Camera installation typically involves an electrician, the camera installer and the person who configures the VMS (Video Management Software). Of course, one person can play all three roles, and in many cases, does, but enterprise projects can involve dozens, hundreds or even thousands of cameras with teams of individuals involved in an installation. The electrician runs conduit with an electrical or PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection to the housing or the backplate of the camera; the installer then installs the camera at that location, hooking it up to power; and then a configurator adds cameras to the network and makes adjustments – renaming the camera, setting the frame rate, enabling WDR (Wide Dynamic Range), and the like. When it’s a project that involves different players for any of these functions, there is the potential for a bottleneck and delay in project completion. And if a system integrator is paying an electrician, installer and software configurator – and they are all three on site waiting for each other to finish – that’s a system integrator’s worst-case scenario. Enhancement Through Modular Cameras Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take different roles  Video surveillance camera manufacturers like Hanwha Techwin are producing products that take the different roles of electrician, installer and configurator into consideration, allowing them to complete their tasks independently. With a focus on modular design which includes a USB Dongle, a device manager, magnetic module and included accessories, the Wisenet X series Plus is one of the fastest cameras to install, service and upgrade – saving installers time and money. Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a detachable camera module that utilize magnets to lock into the housing for instant configuration. Electricians can run conduit with a single PoE connection to the back plate/housing while the configurator is working on configuring the camera module, allowing security professionals to later snap the camera into place in just minutes. The VMS configurator can then come and add the cameras to the network and program their functionality. Modular Cameras Offer Flexibility  In the past, an end user might determine after the camera is installed that there aren’t enough pixels on target, or they need certain different functions like video analytics for example, resulting in the time-consuming replacement of the entire camera. With modular-designed cameras, the camera module can be swapped with a new one without having to focus or replace the camera – even to change the resolution or field of view, also Wisenet X series Plus has optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view and the position of the camera lens. Making camera adjustments in the field is also now easier and perhaps even safer. Installers have been known to climb a ladder and juggle a bulky laptop to access the network to be able to see video of how the camera is positioned. Or they’ve had to use analog video output to view the video feed on a separate monitor which provides the field of view, but not megapixel quality. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera Wisenet X series Plus cameras have a USB port that allows installers to connect it to a small dongle that converts the camera to a Wi-Fi device. Using a smartphone, the installer can wirelessly see full and not cropped quality video directly from the camera. It’s a much easier way to evaluate video while at the camera. Eliminating the second person looking at live view on a computer guiding through a cellphone to the installer to accurately point the camera to the proper position. If system integrators can do some of the legwork prior to even getting on site, it can reduce cost and improve efficiency. Imagine having 300 cameras ready to send to a project site. To configure those cameras, a system integrator has to take each camera out of the box, plug each into a switch, configure it, take it off of the switch and put it back in the box. To improve this process, camera manufacturers have now developed packaging that provides access to the camera port without even having to remove it from the box. It’s an innovative solution that saves time. Modular cameras have optional PTRZ modules that can be remotely adjusted to the field of view Software Programs Help In Enhancing Installation Whether it’s a one-man show or a team of electricians, installers and configurators, software programs can greatly enhance the installation process. Device managers are important tools in adding multiple cameras to a project. Using that 300-camera project, for example, it’s easier when a manufacturer has a device manager that allows the mass programming and configuration of cameras. Adding 300 cameras one by one is time consuming and leaves room for error when making so many multiple entries. A device manager should be able to scan the network and locate its devices, allowing them to be grouped, configured and much more. Every video surveillance camera project is going to have its ups and downs. But camera manufacturers can do their part in the production process to address the many issues known to slow down progress. It’s impressive that many are taking the lead in producing innovations like modular camera design, flexibility in the field and accessible packaging that can truly reduce installation cost and improve efficiency.

Private video systems are offering new sources of evidence for police investigations. Growing popularity of private camera registration schemes are facilitating police department access to video captured by cameras in homes and businesses for use in their investigations. Camera registration programs are organized locally by individual police departments but have common features and operation. By registering their camera systems, citizens and business people provide information to a confidential database listing any cameras police can quickly access in the event of a crime. Knowing which cameras may be near a crime scene avoids police having to go door-to-door in search of possible video footage. Because perpetrators are more careful and aware of possible video coverage in and around a crime scene, video to solve a crime may also come from a camera several blocks away. The best evidence may not be of the crime scene itself but video of nearby pathways and streets. Today’s camera systems also provide information such as location, date and time that can help an investigation Ability to record and retain video Access to cameras can also provide additional viewing angles to provide police new leads such as type of car, clothing, etc. Another benefit is possible use of a camera’s view to help locate lost children, elderly or disabled persons. In addition to actual video, today’s camera systems also provide information such as location, date and time that can help an investigation or be used as evidence in court. Basic requirements for participating video systems are exterior-facing cameras and the ability to record and retain video. It is important to note that registering a camera system with a local police department does not provide active surveillance or a “live feed” of video. Video is only shared after a crime has been committed and when the police request specific video as possible evidence. Registration of camera systems is voluntary Registration merely enables a police department to know where accessible cameras are located. Police then arrange viewing of video footage after the fact by communicating with the camera owners; if a police visit to a residence might pose an additional risk for any reason, camera video today can often be accessed remotely. Registration of camera systems is voluntary; a state-wide proposal in New Jersey in 2015 calling for mandatory camera registration faced privacy backlash and was later amended to make registration voluntary. Collected information is typically the name of the camera owner, contact information, an address where the cameras are located; how many cameras are at the location, the area recorded by the cameras and how the footage is saved. Police arrange viewing of video footage by communicating with the camera owners Residential security camera Portland, Oregon, launched its CrimeReports camera registration program in 2017, part of its wider effort to get residents involved in fighting crime. In Philadelphia, the police department has been registering cameras since 2011 under its SafeCam program. The Philadelphia Department of Commerce offers a payment, up to $3,000, to reimburse business owners who install cameras and register them with the police. Camera registration is yielding results. Baltimore’s Citiwatch camera registration system has had a direct impact on criminal apprehension. The San Luis Obispo, California, Police Department reports a high success rate identifying suspects in cases where additional video evidence exists because of the camera registration program. In Fort Worth, Texas, last May, a residential security camera played a role in capturing a kidnapping suspect. Privacy concerns and community feedback Many of the camera registration schemes have localized branding or acronyms, such as the S.C.R.A.M. (Security Camera Registration and Mapping) program of Milton, Georgia; the C.A.P.T.U.R.E. (Community and Police Team Up to Record Evidence) program of New Braunfels, Texas; or the RockView program of Rockville, Maryland. The idea is based on willing participation of public citizens in helping law enforcement do their jobs Privacy concerns and community feedback prompted Vancouver, Washington, to suspend a camera registration program for weeks until it could be re-launched earlier this year. Although cities seek to protect information about the locations of cameras, it might be subject to disclosure because of public records laws. Law enforcement and crime prevention Registration of cameras is another aspect of involving the community in law enforcement and crime prevention, not unlike the commonplace Neighborhood Watch programs. The idea is based on willing participation of public citizens in helping law enforcement do their jobs. Making video footage available provides important evidence in much the same way a witness to a crime would hopefully testify if asked. By multiplying the availability of cameras that could view elements of a possible crime, the idea is also akin to the modern concept of “crowdsourcing” – the practice of obtaining information or input by enlisting a large number of people. Local jurisdictions stipulate that registrants in the program should not be construed as agents and/or employees of the police department. There is also a crime prevention element to the programs, in addition to helping police do their jobs better and more efficiently. Some camera registration programmes provide stickers or yard signs to let the neighborhood know that their security cameras are helping to fight local crime.

Gunshot detection today is part of more physical security systems than ever before, and many manufacturers are developing interfaces to the latest gunshot detection technologies. Genetec has integrated ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology into its unified IP security platform, Security Center. Thanks to this integration, police departments and security professionals will be able to receive more actionable information, gain rapid access and detailed location insights when a gunshot situation occurs. Cloud-Based analysis software ShotSpotter uses wide-area acoustic surveillance that automatically gets activated when gunfire occurs ShotSpotter uses wide-area acoustic surveillance that automatically gets activated when gunfire occurs, providing comprehensive outdoor coverage on campuses and in complex urban geographies. ShotSpotter sensors and cloud-based analysis software triangulate and pinpoint the precise location of each round fired within seconds, the number of shots fired and provide an immediate gunfire alert with an audio clip. Data capture form to appear here! Detailed incident data is immediately sent to SST’s Incident Review Center (IRC), a secure data processing and alert validation facility, where acoustics experts analyze the data and qualify the incident in real-time 24/7. Once validated, an alert is sent directly into Genetec’s Security Center, all in under a minute. Once the alarm is triggered within Security Center upon gunshot detection, operators can quickly access video and other related data surrounding the location of a gunshot alert, and immediately visualize it on Security Center maps, leveraging the dynamic visualization capabilities of the Security Center Plan Manager. Genetec has integrated ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology into its unified IP security platform Gunshot identification software Stanley Security has announced a partnership with Shooter Detection Systems LLC (SDS), gunshot detection solutions provider. As an authorized dealer, STANLEY Security is now certified to sell, install and service SDS products and services. SDS’s Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System combines acoustic gunshot identification software with infrared gunfire flash detection for a fully automated gunshot detection and alerting solution. The Guardian System immediately detects gunshots and simultaneously alerts building occupants The Guardian System immediately detects gunshots and simultaneously alerts building occupants and first responders within one second and with zero false alerts. Johnson Controls has announced that its exacqVision video management system now integrates with Databuoy Corp.’s ShotPoint acoustic gunshot detection and localization system to speed response time and heighten the decision-making process for local responders during active shooter situations. Integrated security systems Johnson Controls has also released the Detect360 Active Shooter Response (ASR) system, combining reliable gunshot detection with notification technology to provide immediate warning when a gunshot is fired within a building. By providing early notification and precise location of the shooter, the ASR system gives occupants time to find safety and allows police and security personnel to mitigate the threat up to 60 percent faster. Detect360 ASR gives first responders information as it develops at the scene, including shot location, number of shots, location of the shooter in near real-time and the ability to remotely monitor the situation through integrated security systems. It also collects forensic information that can later be used by law enforcement. The system supports multiple integration options, including video feeds from existing CCTV and intrusion systems, mass notification systems, access control systems and panic button/manual initiation systems. Detect360 ASR gives first responders information as it develops at the scene Public safety access points Listed as one of the most important new technologies debuted at CES 2019 by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News, Safe Zone also showcased its Safe Zone Gunfire Detector (GFD) at ISC West 2019. Priced at $149 per unit, the Safe Zone Gunfire Detector combines infrared and sound detection technologies with immediate cloud-based data analysis that can analyze more than 3,000 data points of each loud noise that exceeds ambient levels by a certain threshold. The system determines the location of shots fired, the number of shots, and the type Utilizing the data from multiple detectors simultaneously, the system determines the location of shots fired, the number of shots, and the type and caliber of gun being used. Within 10 seconds of the trigger pull, an alert is sent to Public Safety Access Points in the appropriate dispatch center, giving local 911 dispatchers all critical information on their computers. Reseller recruitment program Shot Tracer has launched a reseller recruitment program with a highly attractive on-boarding proposition for qualified dealers. Qualifying resellers can receive a Gunshot Simulator Kit valued at $1,000 when they commit to becoming a Shot Tracer dealer. Shot Tracer’s Eagle Gunshot Detection System easily integrates with virtually any security, alarm, surveillance and access system via contact closure – or wirelessly via IP integration. In fact, Shot Tracer gunshot detection sensors are as easy to install as a smoke detector, so there’s virtually no learning curve for installing dealers. The new Shot Tracer Reseller Recruitment Program includes an exclusive offer for installing dealers to receive a free Gunshot Simulator Kit, valued at over $1000, which is essential for demonstrating Shot Tracer Eagle Gunshot Detection sensors. Terms and conditions apply for qualifying resellers.

A video analytics system that provides ‘behavioral understanding’ can yield more meaningful and actionable data for a range of applications. In public safety and security, such a system can alert on violent or suspicious behaviors, such as people fighting, vandalism, people with weapons, etc. In advanced traffic surveillance and monitoring, it can provide alerts to vehicle collisions (accidents), traffic hazards or vehicle that aren’t using the road properly, such as a car that stops in the middle of the junction. For enterprise and campus security, it can provide advanced anti-tailgating and detect unauthorized activity. Video surveillance infrastructure viisights was founded by a group of entrepreneurs with track records in developing technology businesses These uses are among the benefits of viisights’ video analytics technology based on behavioral understanding of video content. “It means we can extract more meaningful data from the huge amount of video content that is captured, and we can transform that data to actionable insights that eventually justify the massive investment in video surveillance infrastructure,” says Asaf Birenzvieg, CEO of viisights. Their behavioral understanding systems for real-time video intelligence leverage artificial intelligence technology. viisights was founded by a group of serial entrepreneurs with track records in developing technology businesses. The Israeli company’s founders recognized a growing global need for intelligence to make physical and virtual public areas safer – and realized the role that smart video understanding technology can play. Developing artificial intelligence technologies viisights is committed to developing artificial intelligence technologies that facilitate human-like video understanding, which in turn serves as the basis for fully autonomous video intelligence systems powered by pattern prediction technology. “Behavioral recognition is the future of video analytics and the next generation of the object classification analytics systems that hold the majority of the market today,” says Birenzvieg. viisights has developed a video understanding technology for real-time video processing “To date most video analytics systems still base their product features on static analysis of objects from images using image recognition, even the ones that use ‘AI analytics.’ Products built using such object classification technology are extremely limited.” For example, object classification analytics cannot recognize behavioral events in a video such as people fighting or a car collision because such behaviors can’t accurately be concluded in large scale from analyzing a single static image/frame. Video understanding technology viisights has developed a video understanding technology for real-time video processing. The technology can process live video feeds. In addition to recognizing a particular object (e.g., person) and its attributes (e.g., red shirt), the system can understand an object’s actions, interactions with other objects (events), the scene being viewed (i.e., crowd is gathering, riots) and the context (a car is driving on the road or on the sidewalk). The main verticals are smart cities, enterprises and campuses, banks and ATM security“Basically, we are able to extract more meaningful data from a live video feed and therefore create actionable insights and greater ROI,” says Birenzvieg. The company focuses mostly on security and safety use-cases. The main verticals are smart cities, enterprises and campuses, banks and ATM security, security guard companies and transportation hubs. The company is working on a new product for in-vehicle monitoring mostly for security, safety, vehicle protection and proper vehicle use; it monitors passengers’ behavior inside a bus, train, or taxi. The product will come to market next year. Video management system viisights’ video analytics offering is currently optimized for server-side deployment, and the integration architecture is similar to most video analytics systems. From one side it is integrated with the video management system (VMS). They are a Milestone verified partner and soon will be part of Milestone's marketplace. From the other end, it is connected to a command-and-control system for processing the data and presenting the alerts to the end-user. The analytics company makes most sales through system integrators. They have partnerships with big system integrators like Motorola Solutions and NEC and are also working with smaller ones. They are looking to expand their system integrator network, mostly in the USA and Europe. Behaviors can have many variations and they can be very diverse Cloud video surveillance “We will continue to invest in performance and accuracy, meaning higher recall and lower false positive rate,” says Birenzvieg. “Since our major value proposition is in behavior recognition, behavior events many times are not clearly defined, which is very different from object classification. Behaviors can have many variations and they can be very diverse.” An example is a simple behavior like a person falling on the floor. A person can fall on the floor in many ways, but the challenge is to ignore similar behaviors that are not a person falling and that confuse the system, such as a person bending over to tie his shoelaces. With cloud video surveillance becoming a trend, viisights is also looking into offering some of their advanced functionalities in a video-analytics-as-a-service-model.

BI-City Tokyo is located in Nur-Sultan (Astana), the capital city of Kazakhstan. It is a high-end residential complex of BI Group – a construction holding company in the Kazakhstan real estate market. At present, three apartment buildings with public areas and more than 400 apartment units have been completed. Aiming to create modern high-end intelligent buildings and residential areas, the BI Group wanted to upgrade the existing analog video intercom system of BI-City Tokyo. Analog intercom system The original analog intercom system in this community is outdated and cannot meet the diverse security requirements of high-end residential areas. First, the original analog intercom does not support retaining images and leaving messages. Second, this system only supports access cards to open doors, which is inconvenient for residents in case they forgot their card. Third, the original system cannot add IP cameras to monitor public areas such as children's playground, fitness areas, etc. Fourth, the cold winter temperature in Nur-Sultan requires high-performance equipment capable of operating in extreme environments. Cold winter temperature requires high-performance equipment capable of operating in extreme environments Faced with the abovementioned challenges, BI Group was also looking for a trustworthy brand that can provide not only modern smart system but also technical support and reliable after-sales service. Meeting all the above requirements, Dahua smart residential solution was chosen to be the security solution provider of BI-City Tokyo. Access ANPR Camera The complete solution deployed more than 300 pieces of Dahua equipment, including Indoor Monitor, Apartment Outdoor Station, IP Camera, Access ANPR Camera, Video Recorder, etc. The solution supports two-way audio intercom, real-time video and messaging feature. In addition, a variety of door opening methods were also implemented: door opening via remote calling, door opening using access card, and remote door opening via APP. Additionally, all the equipment can be visualized and integrated in the Dahua DSS platform for centralized management, operation and maintenance. Moreover, the temperature in Nur-Sultan can reach up to negative 40 degrees in winter season. This requires high-performance outdoor devices featuring dust and water resistance, and explosion-roof capability. In response to this pressing challenge, Dahua apartment outdoor station VTO1210C-X-S1 and access ANPR camera ITC237-PW1B-IRZ that support wide working temperature were installed at the entrance of the apartment building for a more effective visitor and vehicle management. Built-in intelligent video analytics When a visitor arrives at the entrance of the apartment building and dials a resident’s room number through the Dahua apartment outdoor station, the camera installed at the entrance will synchronize the video with the visitor’s image captured in the resident’s indoor monitor. Once the visitor’s identity is confirmed, the resident just needs to press the button on the indoor monitor to open the door remotely. With Dahua app, users can even answer calls and open doors remotely when they are out for work or traveling. As for vehicles, Dahua access ANPR camera ITC237-PW1B-IRZ is designed for extreme temperature environments (temperature range of -40°C to +60°C). With built-in intelligent video analytics, the camera has the ability to detect and recognize moving vehicle's plate number within low speed. IR Mini-Bullet Network Camera The camera uses a set of optical features to balance light throughout the sceneFor both approaching and departing vehicles, the access ANPR camera takes a snapshot of the license plate and vehicle overview picture, as well as records corresponding surveillance videos. By setting a whitelist, the camera can automatically control the barrier or gate to open if a plate number recorded in the whitelist has been recognized. The public areas including children's playground, fitness areas, as well as the lobby are covered by 2MP IR Mini Dome Network Camera IPC-HDBW4231E-ASE, 2MP and 3MP IR Mini-Bullet Network Camera. The Starlight Ultra-low Light Technology of IPC-HDBW4231E-ASE offers light sensitivity, capturing color details under low light condition up to 0.002lux. The camera uses a set of optical features to balance light throughout the scene, resulting in clear images in dark environments. Smart residential solution Dahua smart residential solution provides an integrated management platform for the management personnel of BI-City Tokyo. It assists in the remote and visual management of the property and improves the services and facilities they offer. Security guard at the entrance is not needed anymore to manage entering and exiting vehicles, which saves labor costs, reduces the waiting time of vehicles and improves traffic efficiency. In addition, the all-round monitoring of the public areas within BI-City Tokyo greatly improves the safety level of the entire community. The video intercom system of the building provides a variety of convenient door opening methods, enhancing the resident’s living experience. "We adopted analog solution in the first phase. From the second phase, we replaced all of analog system with Dahua’s IP video intercom solution. We hope that Dahua will help us complete the solution planning of the three, four, five, and six phases”, said Arman, General Manager of BI Group.

An upgrade of surveillance, using the latest video technology from IDIS, has put Circuit Zandvoort in poll position as host venue for the 2020 Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Netherlands. As well as wider improvements to the track, a top priority at the circuit was a complete overhaul of the video monitoring capability to meet the requirements of Formula 1. Security and safety surveillance Circuit Zandvoort will be able to take advantage of IDIS Critical Failover technology as a service module within the IDIS VMS For Track Manager Niek Oude Luttikhuis a key objective was to rapidly implement a solution that would be much easier than the previous system to use, maintain and adapt in the future. To achieve this, he brought together a team including IDIS – Korea’s surveillance manufacturer. Significantly improving security and safety surveillance of the track, their solution will also let the Formula 1 organizers temporarily receive functional authorized access of video data for the duration of the competition. Video management software At the heart of Circuit Zandvoort’s new system is IDIS’s server-crunching, 64 channel DS-IR300 NVR technology, pre-loaded with IDIS Solution Suite video management software (VMS). This allows all the track’s existing cameras to be easily integrated and operated alongside the latest IDIS 5MP speed dome PTZs and 12MP bullet cameras. It also delivers impressive new functionality, including ultra-high-definition monitoring capability using IDIS Smart UX Controls. The system now provides real-time image capture of the highest quality, with no lag, ghost-shadowing or stuttering of images, even when cars traveling at high speed are displayed. Critical Failover technology It ensures that recordings are automatically updated without the need for engineer calloutsImages on the racing control room video wall are now crisp and clear. And looking ahead, the IDIS Solution Suite VMS will make it easier to sustain this high standard by allowing cost-efficient, remote firmware updates and system maintenance. Circuit Zandvoort will also now be able to take advantage of IDIS Critical Failover technology as a service module within the IDIS VMS. This protects against video data loss due to a wide range of potential fault conditions, such as network instability or power failure. It ensures that recordings are automatically updated without the need for engineer callouts and with no risk of gaps in recordings while the fault is resolved. No interruption to surveillance The entire upgrade was completed while the original system continued to run in parallel, confirms Track Manager Niek Oude Luttikhuis. This meant there was no interruption to surveillance during implementation, which was vitally important as the track is in almost continuous use. “There is fantastic mutual communication between IDIS and the different suppliers – they think ahead and complement each other,” says Mr Luttikhuis. “And from the start IDIS demonstrated a deep understanding of the security and operational requirements of our circuit and a passion for motor racing.” PTZ cameras for tracking With the new system operational as promised, in the control room a rotating team of 10 people work with the IDIS Solution Suite VMS, with minimal training required to use all its features and functions – including easy search and retrieval, and silky-smooth control of the ultra-high-definition (UHD) PTZ cameras for tracking in real-time. Authorization levels can be set, giving each individual specific user rights, and during the Grand Prix itself the Formula 1 organizers will also be given access to the system. If necessary, this will also include the ability to view and retrieve footage on mobile devices via the IDIS Mobile app – helping the 2020 Formula 1 Grand Prix to run smoothly behind the scenes.

For one installer, Hikvision’s range of Turbo HD PIR-equipped cameras has had a dramatic impact on his business, allowing him to more efficiently monitor and secure construction sites and other valuable locations during vulnerable out of hours periods. Paul Hookings, Managing Director of Hampshire-based security installation firm Forward Securities, had a problem. His company had built a solid reputation for, amongst a variety of other services, securing building sites, notably the important materials and equipment left overnight and unattended in the site compound. Building site compounds, Hookings explains, can include any number of super-valuable and enticing materials for potential thieves. “Diesel, copper, tools, cabling, right down to bricks, breeze blocks, agricultural fuel, road diesel, even the metal gates,” he says. “Thousands and thousands of pounds worth of stuff is stored there overnight.” Forward Securities would use traditional PIRs – passive infrared detectors – to raise an alert Intrusion detection To monitor these compounds for intruders, Forward Securities would use traditional PIRs – passive infrared detectors – to raise an alert when the compound perimeter was breached. The problem had to do with the PIRs, Hookings explains. “On critical sites like these, where there’s a lot of activity during working hours, people are able to move those PIRs in the daytime when they’re off,” he says. “And come night-time, they’re then able to return and rob the place without being picked up by the detectors, and then move the PIR back to where it was previously. Then it’s down to the security company, who end up scratching their heads, thinking: why didn’t that go off?” Passive infrared detectors As a result, Hookings was on the lookout for a solution, something which would counter that potential for tampering and provide a more effective deterrent to potential thieves. Then he noticed that Hikvision had released a new range of Turbo HD PIR cameras. “These are lovely little products,” Hookings said. “When Hikvision brought them out, I binned our separate PIRs. With a PIR camera, during the armed period, if someone moves into its field of view, there’s an alarm. If someone covers it up, it goes into alarm. If someone moves it into another direction, it goes into alarm. So I’ve binned the products we were using previously and now I exclusively use Hikvision.” Turbo HD PIR cameras The Turbo HD PIR camera range uses advanced video surveillance technologies to improve alarm accuracy and prevent intrusions. Video verification of alarms means a rapid response from a manned guarding service can be achieved. The camera’s built-in PIR detector captures infrared light given off by human bodies and distinguishes it from other visual ‘noise’. It can be ‘double knocked’ with Hikvision’s Turbo HD K series DVR’s motion detection to reduce false alarms caused by moving targets without human body IR emission. This way, filtering false alarms reduces storage space and costs, and it also means more efficient post-event footage search. Supplemental lighting The camera also produces a flashing white strobe light that serves as a warning signal to stop intruders The camera also produces a flashing white strobe light that serves as a warning signal to stop intruders. And the white light serves as supplemental lighting, enabling the camera to capture clear images of suspects as evidence when the alarm is triggered, even in extremely dark environments – such as the construction site compounds. “When we have an alarm triggered on one of our sites, we basically get a guaranteed guarding response,” Hookings says. “Because the combination of PIR detection and video serves as proof that the assailants are there. It’s a confirmed signal going to the monitoring station, and as a result we always get people apprehended.” PIRL bullet cameras The model Forward Securities prefers to use is the DS-2CE12H0T-PIRL, a 5MP bullet PIR bullet camera referred to as the ‘PIRL’. They offer 2560 x 1944 pixel resolution, smart infrared illumination up to 20m, and Hikvision’s own ‘up the coax’ technology, which allows cameras to be controlled over a coaxial cable from the DVR and also to transmit the alarm signal to DVR. They’re also IP67-rated for external use, so they’re tough and suitable for the sorts of environments, like construction sites, where they’re most needed. As an example of how he uses the Hikvision PIRL cameras, Hookings points to the example of one specific construction site currently being protected by Forward Securities. Hikvision 4K cameras and hybrid DVRs We use six PIRL cameras, as well as additional 4K Hikvision cameras running analytics and thermal cameras" “We’re securing the main compound, along with any remote sites,” he says. “We use six PIRL cameras, as well as additional 4K Hikvision cameras running analytics and thermal cameras, and they all sit on the same server, recording to a Hikvision Hybrid DVR, with alarms and images sent to our monitoring station.” Other site setups can include an audio warning system, particularly for very high value equipment. “That’s another place we’d use a PIRL,” Hookings says. “If someone, out of hours, walks up or even climbs the fence of the compound, the monitoring station is alerted to that by the PIRL camera, and they can immediately broadcast an audio warning, real time and live. That’s transmitted through the Hikvision DVR, to an amplifier and speakers.” Crime prevention and effective video surveillance “If the intruders persist despite the warning, we then get a guarding response. It’s not just big construction sites where the Turbo HD PIR cameras are effective, I do use them on other high value projects as well.” “Ultimately, the Turbo HD PIRL cameras are incredibly effective,” Hookings says. “They pick up suspicious activity, including thefts and attempted thefts, three to four times a week across all of our sites. That means they’re actively helping to prevent the thefts of materials worth hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions of pounds.”

Located in Eastern China, Hangzhou is the capital and most populous city of Zhejiang Province. It has registered population of 9,800,000, with total area of 16,596 km². Jianggan District is one of the five main urban areas of Hangzhou. With a floating population of about 1.06 million, Jianggan District ranks first among Hangzhou's main urban areas. As the new administrative center of Hangzhou, it boasts the most important CBD and the largest train station and car hub in Hangzhou, bringing together various traffic elements such as highway junctions and bridges across the river. The entire Jianggan District is promoting vital transformation in urban areas Intelligent surveillance system Covering 8 streets, 141 communities and 4 villages, the entire Jianggan District is promoting vital transformation in urban areas. Nevertheless, the non-registered population, accounted for about 40% of the total population, makes it hard for the local government to improve urban management in the district. Every policeman needs to manage 1,700 citizens on average. The shortage of police force affected their work precision and led to difficulties in providing timely police response. In addition, insufficient surveillance coverage and limited intelligence system in the area resulted in inactive security measures, making it difficult for the police to achieve their goals Integrating DoT, IoT and the internet Based on the Dahua Heart of City (HOC) architecture supported by "Full Sensing, Full Intelligence, Full Computing and Full Ecosystem (4 Full) capabilities, Dahua Technology firmly focused on the construction needs of the area and built the overall plan of establishing an ‘online police’. Integrating the Internet, DoT and IoT, Dahua Technology has successfully assisted the Hangzhou Jianggan Public Security in building a multi-dimensional network that targets customer value, and combines AI, big data, and cloud computing in order to obtain accurate real-time data and strengthen the current technology of “online police” operations. Sensors and monitoring products Dahua Technology deployed 19 sensors, hundreds of monitoring products and a sophisticated network Moreover, Dahua Technology deployed 19 sensors, hundreds of monitoring products and a sophisticated network. It also set up 46 actual police investigation models to provide accurate instructions for Jianggan police, including property crimes analysis, situation analysis, vehicle management, people management, psychiatric control, online apprehension of violators, as well as missing person search, etc. Compared with traditional police operation, Dahua HOC Safe City Solution has built an “Online Police” mechanism to obtain the most authentic real-time data through information technology, and carry out accurate computer applications for a more scientific service deployment, efficient police force and powerful security control. Dahua HOC Safe City Solution It ensures that the Jianggan police can perform properly at a given time. It also promotes the transformation of police affairs from passive to active, from extensive to subtle, from imprecise to accurate, and from offline to online, gradually carrying out the prediction, early-warning, and prevention measures of police operations. Since 2016, the Dahua HOC Safe City Solution has helped Jianggan Public Security achieve outstanding results including enhanced police intelligence, reduced crime cases, increase in case closure rate and efficiency, improvement in public service, and speedy recovery of missing individuals, opening a new chapter for intelligent police operations.

The first China International Import Expo was held on November 5, 2018 in Shanghai. As the world's first import-themed national exhibition, it attracted more than 3,600 exhibitors from 172 countries, regions and international organizations, making security a top priority during the event. As an essential force in the global security industry, Dahua Technology has performed outstandingly in assuring the security of many international events such as the Rio Olympic Games, G20 Hangzhou Summit and the 9th BRICS Summit. This time, Dahua Technology has shouldered the security responsibility again with its state-of-the-art products and solutions. Event security Dahua Technology provided more than 3,000 sets of cutting-edge intelligent equipment The Expo expected a total number of 800,000 visitors, as well as tens of thousands of displayed goods, coming from more than 3,000 companies in more than 130 countries, demanding safety as the top priority in the venue. Integrating data from various departments as well as monitoring the venue and command dispatching became a huge challenge for the security and police personnel. Dahua Technology provided more than 3,000 sets of cutting-edge intelligent equipment in the core locations of the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center and its surrounding areas, using video AR, face recognition, ANPR, video structuring, intelligent analysis and other technologies to improve the venue’s level of security. Artificial Intelligence solutions In order to further enlarge the area security coverage, Dahua Technology set up video surveillance points in key areas of Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center including entrance and exit points of the outer ring, interior area, office buildings, as well the surrounding major passages, plazas, commanding points, subway entrances and exits, pedestrian bridges, etc. In addition to the already pre-installed surveillance equipment, new monitoring devices were also added to make sure that there will be no blind spots and interruptions of the video transmission in the whole area. Panoramic cameras Dahua panoramic cameras installed at the commanding point of the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center employs AR technology in order to achieve omni-directional and no blind spot surveillance. Additionally, the panoramic cameras deployed inside the exhibition center monitor the situation inside the exhibition hall and obtain real-time dynamic information that builds a three-dimensional platform that are visual, controllable and schedulable to facilitate an efficient security operation. Intelligent video analysis system Intelligent video analysis system was built in the exhibition area to classify the acquired data  Moreover, intelligent video analysis system was built in the exhibition area to classify the acquired data according to the preset rules and application requirements, such as crowd detection, behavior analysis, map search, etc. This system expands and deepens the application of video information in the efficiency of public security. Furthermore, through the Dahua Deep Learning Series video alert camera, people who would illegally climb over the perimeter fence built within the 4-kilometer area of the exhibition hall would be identified and captured. Dahua face recognition system The Dahua face recognition system deployed at the entrance and exit of the exhibition center could recognize the identity of all visitors in real time by comparing their ID card’s recorded information with the face photo captured by the front-end smart camera. This system did not just improve the traffic efficiency of the entrance and exit points, but also guaranteed the safety and accuracy of the identification of people walking in and out of the venue. High-definition smart cameras Dahua high-definition smart cameras were also set up at the entrance and exit around the transportation hub of the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center to monitor and track high-risk vehicles and people in real-time. This effectively improved the road management and traffic control in the area. Fully structured cameras capturing real-time videos of motor vehicles, pedestrians and non-motor vehicles were deployed in the surrounding area, which also support face and body recognition for a more comprehensive security. Video network platform Video network platform automatically connects the video and image data captured within the area  Additionally, a video network platform automatically connects the video and image data captured within the area to the public security command center, creating a resource sharing integration of valuable information. China International Import Expo has facilitated countries and regions all over the world in strengthening economic cooperation and trade, and promoting global trade and world economic growth. Dahua AI solutions has greatly enhanced the prevention and control measures within the key areas around the venue, assuring security during the Expo. Cutting-edge security solutions After the event, Dahua Technology received letters from the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Qingpu Public Security Bureau, Changning Public Security Bureau, Shanghai Hongqiao Integrated Transportation Hub Emergency Response Center, and other offices, thanking Dahua Technology for its strong support and contributions to the success of the security management during the event. From the Rio Olympic Games to the G20 Hangzhou Summit, from the 9th BRICS Summit to the first China International Import Expo, Dahua Technology always accomplishes various security tasks with high quality and efficiency. With its cutting-edge products and solutions, quality operation services and professional technical team, Dahua Technology will continue to assist more major international events in the future.

Genetec Inc., globally renowned technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence has announced that the city of New Orleans (NOLA) is relying on Security Center, the company’s unified IP security platform, to improve public safety and enhance city-wide collaboration. With about 400,000 residents, New Orleans (NOLA) is the most populous city in the State of Louisiana. Like other big cities, NOLA is focused on enhancing public safety for its citizens and the 1.2 million visitors who flock to the city’s French Quarter for Mardi Gras celebrations. Using Security Center, the NOHSEP agency has saved police officers about 2000 hrs of investigative work in just a year Genetec Security Center As part of a Citywide Public Safety Improvement Plan that included the deployment of a new citywide public safety system and the construction of a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), the New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) chose the Genetec Security Center unified platform to support all city agencies.  Using Security Center, the NOHSEP agency has saved police officers about 2000 hours of on-foot investigative work in just one year. “It might take a police officer over an hour to visit business locations, speak with owners, look through video, find what they are looking for, get a copy of video onto USB keys, drive back to the precinct, and then submit that into evidence." said George Barlow Brown, IT Manager at the New Orleans Real Time Crime Center. Video and ALPR cameras He adds, “So, we have essentially saved the department over 2000 hours of manual labor in physically collecting and storing video evidence. That’s more time for officers to respond to calls of service and be present in our many neighborhoods, which helps build community confidence. The ROI is there for us in terms of the efficiency,” The team can now easily retrieve evidence from over 325 city-owned video cameras and 100 automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras (60 of which are Security Center AutoVu cameras)  from the Real-Time Crime Center. The new security platform is integrated with other public safety solutions such as a Briefcam analytics system and a computer-assisted dispatch (CAD) system. All this information gets routed through to a central command center, speeding up emergency response. Share video access with RTCC  “Our operators do the full investigative work right from within Security Center. It’s just one of the most intuitive solutions that I have ever seen. We can display up to six video tiles and hit ‘synchronize video’ to see various angles of the same scene playing at the same time. We can then select the segment of video we need and hit export. Each 10-minute segment from all the video tiles is then archived for viewing later on,” said Brown. NOLA is also leveraging Security Center to foster a true public-private partnership. The city launched a platinum version of the SafeCam project, which allows businesses to share access to external video cameras with the RTCC. Motion-detection alarms Using the Genetec Federation feature, the NOHSEP team can access video from participating companies’ systems Using the Genetec Federation feature, the NOHSEP team can access video from participating companies’ systems. Participating businesses can be identified by discrete signage at their front entrances. This tells on-the-ground officers that this business has shared their outdoor cameras with the RTCC, and there is no reason to disturb the establishment or their customers. The officer can simply call RTCC operators to get the evidence they need. Brown and his team also have motion-detection alarms set up on cameras facing some known illegal dumping sites. As soon as someone dumps refuge in these locations, the team can proactively notify the Sanitation Department so they can collect the debris. Mining video and data NOLA is making the most of its security investments to improve city life too. For one, the RTCC operates a backup emergency operations center for the city of New Orleans. The NOHSEP team has also shared video feeds with other city departments such as the Sewage and Water Board, so they can determine the rate at which an intersection floods. As plans continue to evolve, the RTCC team is taking full advantage of the new technology to keep NOLA safer. “As far as investigations and the ability to mine video and data, Security Center is hands-down the best product out there. With this platform, we’re extending greater efficiency to responding officers, and we’re also forging stronger partnerships with our community. Together, we’re all working smarter and faster to keep New Orleans safe,” concluded Brown.

In the digital age, software is a component of almost all systems, including those that drive the physical security market. A trend toward hardware commoditization is making the role of software even more central to providing value to security solutions. Software developments make more things possible and drive innovation in the market. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How do software improvements drive physical security?  

A basic tenet of sales is ABC – always be closing. But it's a principle that most professional salespeople would say oversimplifies the process. Especially in a sophisticated, high-tech market such as physical security, the required sales skills are much more involved and nuanced. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What unique characteristics are required of salespeople in the arena of physical security systems?

The year ahead holds endless promise for the physical security industry, and much of that future will be determined by which technologies the industry embraces. The menu of possibilities is long – from artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things to the cloud and much more – and each technology trend has the potential to transform the market in its own way. We tapped into the collective expertise of our Expert Panel Roundtable to answer this question: What technology trend will have the biggest impact on the security market in 2019?